I have a 2003 Ford Focus that will not start.

Tiny
BEARDEDONE
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 85,000 MILES
I have a 2003 Ford Focus that will not start. Seems to be a fuel issue, but not sure. The owner had replaced the plugs, cap before bring it to me. The head is new and has a new timing belt as well as a new fuel pump. Turns over fine, no codes but will not fire. Occationally sounds like it is trying to backfire thorugh the exhaust but was doing this before the head change and the timing belt.
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:01 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You need to start with a compression test, fuel pressure test and spark test. One of these will be at fault.
It is best done by a shop. They can do a proper diag and give you a bid.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
BEARDEDONE
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Compression test is good, spark is good. The questionable part is the fuel and with a new fuel pump and relay you would think that would not be an issue. I am wondering if there is a pressure sensor that could be bad and not building up enough pressure to pop the injectors. But I am not familiar with any pressure sensors on this model.
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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There is a fuel pump control unit that I believe is under the rear seat on the passenger side. It is a common failure and recommended to be replaced with the fuel pump by Ford.
Make sure the fuel pump fuse is good and the inertia switch is good as well.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
BEARDEDONE
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Thanks, I will check that. The fuse is good and interia switch is in the proper position to run. The pump runs, but since the system was drained with the pump and filter change I would think that it would run longer than it is.
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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If the pump ran without fuel, then thats your problem. It cannot be out of fluid or the pump is no good.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:39 PM
Tiny
BEARDEDONE
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System was drained before install then gas was put in the tank before running the tank, sorry for the confusion.
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Ok, if the pump does run, as you say, then the new pump may be your issue. Brand is very important. I would go oem from ford.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
BEARDEDONE
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  • 5 POSTS
Thanks
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Good luck
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 AT 7:31 PM

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